Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness, a term often associated with an inflated sense of one's own righteousness or moral superiority, is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative concerning Israel. Throughout the Scriptures, Israel is depicted as a nation chosen by God, yet frequently falling into the trap of self-righteousness, which leads to spiritual complacency and disobedience.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly warned against self-righteousness. The Law, given through Moses, was intended to guide Israel in righteousness and holiness. However, the Israelites often misunderstood the purpose of the Law, viewing it as a means to establish their own righteousness rather than recognizing it as a reflection of God's holiness and a guide to living in covenant relationship with Him. In Deuteronomy 9:4-6 , Moses warns the Israelites against self-righteousness as they prepare to enter the Promised Land: "Do not say in your heart, when the LORD your God has driven them out before you, 'Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land.' It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart that you are going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the LORD your God is driving them out before you, and to confirm the word that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." The prophets also addressed Israel's self-righteousness. Isaiah 65:5 describes those who say, "Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am holier than you!" Such attitudes are condemned as smoke in God's nostrils, highlighting the offense of self-righteousness before a holy God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus frequently confronts the self-righteousness of the religious leaders of His day. The Pharisees and scribes, who prided themselves on their strict adherence to the Law, are often depicted as epitomes of self-righteousness. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." The Apostle Paul, a former Pharisee, also addresses the issue of self-righteousness in his epistles. In Romans 10:3 , he writes about Israel's failure to submit to God's righteousness: "Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness." Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not through the works of the Law. Theological Implications The biblical narrative concerning Israel and self-righteousness serves as a cautionary tale for all believers. It underscores the danger of relying on one's own perceived righteousness rather than on the grace and mercy of God. The Scriptures consistently teach that righteousness is not achieved through human effort or adherence to the Law but is a gift from God, received through faith. Self-righteousness is portrayed as a barrier to genuine relationship with God, leading to spiritual pride and a lack of repentance. The call to humility and dependence on God's righteousness is a central theme throughout the Bible, urging believers to seek God's grace and to live in obedience to His will. Nave's Topical Index Romans 10:3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God. Nave's Topical Index Library Rahab The Barren Fig-Tree. The First Per??an Discourses - to the Pharisees Concerning the Two ... A Jealous God The Centurion Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube Judaism. "Is not this the Carpenter's Son?" Reform The Paschal Supper - the Institution of the Lord's Supper. Resources What is righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the weapons of righteousness in 2 Corinthians 6:7? | GotQuestions.org What is impartation? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Righteousness is Boastful Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: But External Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: But Partial Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: Ineffectual for Salvation Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: No Better than Filthy Rags Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: Unprofitable Self-Righteousness: Church of Laodicea Self-Righteousness: Denunciation Against Self-Righteousness: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Righteousness: Hateful to God Self-Righteousness: Illustrated Self-Righteousness: Man is Prone To Self-Righteousness: Saints Renounce Self-Righteousness: The Laodicean Congregation Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to are Abominable Before God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to are Pure in Their own Eyes Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Audaciously Approach God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Condemn Others Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Consider Their own Way Right Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Despise Others Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Proclaim Their own Goodness Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Reject the Righteousness of God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Seek to Justify Themselves Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Seek to Justify Themselves Before Men Self-Righteousness: Warning Against Supererogation: The Doctrine of Excessive and Meritorious Righteousness Related Terms |
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